One of the 36 bottles sourced from the pipe sold at Bonhams in February 2016, which had been bottled and stored under identical conditions. 6 bottles with the same fill (top shoulder) were opened and tasted together to investigate the extent of bottle variation in mature port.

Bottle 4: Similar in appearance to bottle 1. Sweet on the nose, initially revealing delicately scented pink marshmallows. With time in the glass this evolved into an attractive nose full of red cherries. Lovely on the palate with the first impression being of the red cherry fruit, intense and concentrated but with a green apple sourness to the core that perfectly complimented the sweetness of cherries to give a great palate. The acidity keeps the whole fresh and provides a lively aftertaste and a delicious finish. The best of the bottles on show. 92/100. 15-Jun-16. Decanted 3½ hours.